Written by McD

Bidding Process Begins for Construction of New Bishop McDevitt High School

Michael O'Rourke of KCBA Architects speaks to the contractors about the bidding process.

December 22, 2010 - Harrisburg, PA – Bishop McDevitt High School officials today announced the start of the bid process to construct a new Bishop McDevitt High School building in Lower Paxton Township.

“Today we met with the 7 construction firms that met our qualifications to provide them with the information they need to begin the bidding process for this world-class project,” said Sister Mary Anne Bednar, principal of Bishop McDevitt High School.  “We’re so thrilled to reach this milestone in the project.  After the contractor is selected and we have raised the money needed, the next step will be to put the shovel in the ground to start building our new home.”

The new campus, which would replace the current 80-year-old high school, will feature a 175,000-square-foot world-class academic facility that will have approximately 40 classrooms, including technology-driven science and computer labs.  The new Bishop McDevitt High School also will include a 1,200-seat auditorium, 120-seat chapel, 1,000-seat gym, state-of-the-art library, performing arts center, and athletics facilities that will feature a first-class stadium.

The 7 prequalified contractors are:

• Alexander Building Construction, Harrisburg, Pa.;
• Conewago Enterprises Inc., Hanover, Pa.;
• E.R. Stuebner Inc., Reading, Pa.;
• High Construction Company, Lancaster, Pa.;
• Kinsley Construction, York, Pa.;
• Lobar Construction Services Inc., Dillsburg, Pa.;
• The Quandel Group Inc., Harrisburg, Pa.; and

Bishop McDevitt High School was founded in 1918 on North Street in Harrisburg.  It moved to its current location on Market Street in 1930 and remains one of the oldest central Pennsylvania high school buildings still in use.

The school will relocate from its current six-acre property to a new 87-acre campus only four miles away in Lower Paxton Township.  This includes space to continue and expand the academic program, full athletic facilities and sufficient parking – all at a location that is central to the 10 parishes that comprise and support the school, including easy access for students from the city of Harrisburg.

If you would like to discuss naming opportunities within the new school or make a donation to the campaign, Fulfilling the Promise, please contact Sister Mary Anne Bednar, IHM, principal, or Cheri Comasco, director of advancement at Bishop McDevitt High School by calling 717-236-7973.   Donations also can be made at www.bishopmcdevitt.org by clicking on the Fulfilling the Promise logo and following the directions provided.